BUS 217 — Accelerate Your Startup Idea
Quarter: Spring
Instructor(s): Bret Waters
Date(s): Apr 15—Jun 3
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Wednesdays
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Tuition: $625
Refund Deadline: Apr 17
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens Feb 23 8:30 am (PT)
This fast-paced entrepreneurship course offers a highly collaborative experience in which the class works together to refine startup ideas and make them launch-ready. Using proven Silicon Valley methods, the course examines key startup issues such as product/market fit and developing a minimum viable product that can be rapidly iterated upon for success. We’ll delve into the operational details of the startup process, from legal structures to financial models, along with financing options such as venture capital, angel capital, and impact capital. Additionally, we’ll explore how new AI tools can help startup founders develop and launch startups more efficiently and effectively. The course culminates in a “pitch night,” where students can present to Silicon Valley executives and investors for feedback and coaching. Whether your idea is still a sketch on a napkin or already attracting customers, or whether you’re working on a tech startup, family business, or social venture, you’ll leave with an actionable business plan for a sustainable enterprise.
This is the first course of a two-course sequence on startups. The second course, BUS 219: “Startup Escape Velocity: From Early Idea to Mainstream Success,” builds upon the content covered in this course. However, each course can be taken independently as well.